Within the 1st week back in class, I managed to sprain my ankle. I didn't let it stop me from dancing, but it did make me question if studying dance was what I should be doing. Thank god, NYCDA Chicago was coming up. I didn't know how much I need to be reminded that dancing is what I love most. Being able to go back to that environment where I grew up, after graduating & choosing to further my education in dance, is something I will be forever grateful for. All weekend I was surrounded by the people who have inspired me most. I got back to class on Monday with a new fire in me, one that I was totally unaware I lost. 

We celebrated Idalia's 20th birthday with friends & cake at our place.

March was a crazy month for me, in the best way possible. I started the interview process at lululemon at the very end of February. My best friend Caleb told me about the online application & immediately applied. The interview process was fun, honestly & it was a dream job. I was interviewing at 2 locations downtown & after about 2 weeks & 3 interviews, I was hired! I couldn't be more excited to be working for a company that I've stood behind for years. Getting this opportunity gave me more confidence in studying dance & fashion design. My dream of designing for lululemon really has a chance of coming true. 

Kristen, Umiko & I took Bailey downtown to join the entire city in the St. Patrick's Day Celebrations 

I went home for the 1st weekend of Spring Break to visit my parents & help them with Pops costumes. Kiernan & I took a hike on Lost Lake Trail & it reminded me how thankful I am that I got to grow up in such a beautiful place. (I have a ton of pictures from the hike & am working on a post to share them.) 

Caleb & I went to brunch at the Atwood to celebrate Easter & catch up before classes resumed after Spring Break. 

April means final shows. Most of April was spent at the Dance Center preparing for Open House & Student Performance Night. I got the chance to represent Columbia's dance department at Open House & perform at the Auditorium theater. For Student Performance Night (SPN) I performed in Umiko & Rebecca's pieces. I enjoyed dancing with my friends & working with 2 completely different choreographers throughout the semester. I am always thankful for the chance to perform. My mom & dad came to see the Friday night show of SPN & we went to Cheesecake Factory for dinner, of course! 

It snowed one day in April... it was awful. 

I went home for Pops weekend to support the choir, see all of the costumes & accessories my parents worked so hard on & see the final product of my first official choreography on stage. It was a wonderful weekend & I am so proud of how much the choir has grown & how amazing they looked on stage. 

May = end of the semester. I successfully completed the Spring semester without any trips to the emergency room & that's all that matters at this point. 

Now I am enjoying my summer by spending time with friends, enjoying the city & working, but I can't really call it work cause I love it so much. 

Here's to another wildly busy, fun & successful year at Columbia! 

Can't wait to see what my final 2 years have in store for me! 

Maria Natalia xx. 

Define Jacket: This jacket is so simple & so perfect. Its the perfect jacket to throw on when heading out the door to go to class, dance or run errands. It has extra long sleeves with my favourite LuluLemon feature: thumb holes! It moves with you, keeps you warm but is made of sweat-wick fabric to keep you cool when you're active! 

http://shop.lululemon.com/products/clothes-accessories/jackets-and-hoodies-jackets/Define-Jacket?cc=22921&skuId=3646276&catId=jackets-and-hoodies-jackets

Vinyasa Scarf: This scarf is a gift sent from heaven. After purchasing the one above, I refused to go anywhere without it. I recently purchased a second one that is lined with fleece & keeps me hella warm here in the cold. The best part of the Vinyasa scarf is that it has snaps up & down the short edges allowing you to wear it many different ways. I'm finding different ways to wear it all of the time. It also works as a great blanket when taking a quick cat nap in-between classes. 

http://shop.lululemon.com/products/clothes-accessories/women-headbands-and-hats/Vinyasa-Scarf-II?cc=23270&skuId=3658850&catId=women-headbands-and-hats 

&Go Destination Jacket: This simple, light weight windbreaker was an amazing find this past September. It's 100% waterproof, has an adjustable elastic waist to make it fit just as you please, zipper pockets to keep all of your belongings safe & zipper vents at the chest to keep you cool. The back has reflective trim to keep you visible in the dark, which is perfect when I'm coming home from one of my night classes. Although it is pretty light weight, I can easily layer underneath to keep me warm & dry at the same time. 

http://shop.lululemon.com/products/clothes-accessories/jackets-and-hoodies-jackets/Destination-Jacket?cc=8817&skuId=3626264&catId=jackets-and-hoodies-jackets

xx. Maria Natalia